Pupils in Poland created and displayed pictures , collages about underwater life. Presentation was made to share outcomes with partners.

In England pupils have learnt a lot about Oceans, using the British Council connecting classrooms Life Below Water materials. It was linked with World Oceans Day. The children learnt about plastic in the ocean and made collages showing how plastic affects marine life. They also did some maths work looking at graphs showing plastic production and types of rubbish in the oceans. They wrote poems and articles and some wrote letters to the local MP to ask what is being done about reducing plastic pollution, to the head teacher asking to investigate their school becoming a plastic free school and to some companies, suggesting how their products could be re-used instead of thrown away.

The children have really been inspired to look at their own use of plastics and that of their families.

But How, Mother ?

But how, how can plastic get to the sea,

I’m confused, surprised, how can it be?

So please mother, will you break it down for me

Of course my child, I’ll explain it to you.

Plastic can take years to go away,

So it is stuck with us day after day,

Birds and sea creatures eat or get trapped so there they must stay,

That kills them sadly and slowly we shall say.

Wow, so however hard we try,

Animals will still unfortunately die,

AS other people do not care, so we should shake our heads and sigh,

When they say yes, ok, we know it’s just a lie.

Why o why do people not understand,

That plastic can travel from some land,

Everybody try and use that helping hand,

To pick up plastic which lies under the sand.

So please help, together as one we make a great team,

But now it can be more than just a dream,

That fish and wildlife can stay as the theme,

A little time and energy that's all we need.

PLEASE DO ALL YOU CAN

And remember that Earth is your family so treat it well

I’m made of plastic

I am made of plastic; dirty and revolting,

My animal friends are dying and still you are not crying.

I try to stay calm but this is not fair,

Stand up for what’s right and actually care.

Look around you; your world is weak,

Be more aware and when you need to,speak.

Stop chucking away what is really harmful,

This is serious,dangerous and not laughable.

Let your marine life be free and live.

Re-use and re-make and be creative.

Reduce the plastic and be aware,

However,soon sea animals will not be there.

Talk about what is truly right,

Don’t be scared to put up a fight.

Help me and the kind life below,

There are many sad things that you may not know.

Plastic is taking over making life mean,

All I want is to be shiny and clean.

By Macie